Newsletter

A fatal crash Friday afternoon about 4 miles north of Holton killed a 16-year-old Circleville girl. (Kansas Department of Transportation)

A 16-year-old Jackson Heights High School student was killed Friday afternoon on US-75 highway near the school after her car was struck by a semi-trailer, authorities said.

The crash was reported about 3:30 p.m. at 266th Road and US-75, at the entrance to the road that leads to the Jackson Heights schools about 4 miles north of Holton.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the teenage girl was a Jackson Heights student.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the teen as Afton Alaine Burdick, of Circleville.

According to the highway patrol’s crash log, Burdick was driving west on 266th and preparing to turn onto the two-lane highway. Burdick’s Kia Optima failed to yield to oncoming traffic on US-75 and was struck by a northbound semi, the patrol said.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, Morse said.

“It’s a tragic event that has hit our community,” Morse said. “It’s very devastating, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this child.”

The driver of the semi was taken to a Holton hospital with injuries that weren’t believed to be life-threatening. The highway patrol identified him as Michael J. Brey, 52, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Burdick was wearing a seat belt, according to the highway patrol.

Jackson County EMS, Hoyt and Holton fire departments and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash.

Morse said the highway patrol was leading the investigation and recreating the crash scene.

Kansas Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kim Qualls said north- and southbound traffic along US-75 was being detoured via Old US-75 highway as of 5:30 p.m. She said the highway was closed between 286th Road and 254th Road.

The highway wasn’t expected to reopen until early Saturday.

Motorists were asked to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes.